When To Plant Corn in Missouri: A Guide for Gardeners

When to Plant Corn in Missouri

Corn is a staple crop in Missouri, and for good reason. It’s a relatively easy crop to grow, and it’s a good source of both food and feed. But when is the best time to plant corn in Missouri?

The answer to that question depends on a few factors, including the variety of corn you’re planting, the weather in your area, and your own personal preferences. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at each of these factors and help you determine the best time to plant corn in Missouri.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Planting Date

There are a few factors you should consider when choosing a planting date for your corn crop.

• Variety of corn. Different varieties of corn have different maturity dates. Early-maturing varieties can be planted earlier in the season than late-maturing varieties.
• Weather. The weather in your area will play a role in determining when you can plant corn. If you live in an area with a short growing season, you’ll need to plant your corn early to give it enough time to mature.
• Your own personal preferences. Some people prefer to plant their corn early so they can harvest it early. Others prefer to plant their corn later in the season so they can avoid the risk of frost damage.

Choosing the Best Planting Date for You

Once you’ve considered all of the factors above, you can choose the best planting date for your corn crop. If you’re not sure what the best date is, you can always consult with your local extension agent.

Here are a few general guidelines for planting corn in Missouri:

• Early-maturing varieties can be planted as early as April 15th.
• Mid-season varieties can be planted between April 20th and May 1st.
• Late-maturing varieties can be planted between May 1st and May 15th.

Of course, these are just general guidelines. The best planting date for you will depend on your specific situation.

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Month	Average Last Frost Date	Days to Maturity
April	May 10	100-120
May	May 20	90-110
June	June 1	80-100

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Corn is a staple crop in Missouri, and the timing of its planting is critical to ensuring a successful harvest. The ideal planting date for corn in Missouri depends on a number of factors, including climate, soil conditions, pests and diseases, and desired maturity date.

This article will discuss the factors that affect corn planting time in Missouri and provide recommended planting dates for different corn varieties.

Factors Affecting Corn Planting Time in Missouri

The following are the main factors that affect corn planting time in Missouri:

• Climate: The climate in Missouri is characterized by hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The average growing season in Missouri is about 160 days, but the length of the growing season can vary significantly from year to year. Corn planted in early spring will have a longer growing season and will mature later in the season than corn planted in late spring.
• Soil conditions: The soil in Missouri is typically loamy and well-drained. However, some areas of the state have heavier clay soils that can be more difficult for corn to grow in. Corn planted in lighter soils will have a better chance of establishing a strong root system and will be more drought-tolerant than corn planted in heavier soils.
• Pests and diseases: Corn is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including corn borers, corn rootworms, and southern corn rust. The timing of corn planting can help to minimize the impact of pests and diseases. For example, planting corn early in the season can help to avoid corn borers, which are more active in late spring and summer.
• Desired maturity date: The desired maturity date of corn is the most important factor in determining when to plant corn in Missouri. Corn varieties are classified by their maturity date, which is the number of days from planting to maturity. Early-season corn varieties mature in about 75 days, while late-season corn varieties mature in about 100 days.

Recommended Planting Dates for Corn in Missouri

The following are recommended planting dates for corn in Missouri, based on the desired maturity date:

• Early-season corn: April 15-May 1
• Mid-season corn: May 1-May 15
• Late-season corn: May 15-June 1

It is important to note that these are just general recommendations, and the specific planting date for corn in Missouri will vary depending on the individual grower’s circumstances.

The timing of corn planting is critical to ensuring a successful harvest in Missouri. By considering the factors discussed in this article, growers can choose the best planting date for their specific situation and maximize their chances of producing a high-quality crop of corn.

When to Plant Corn in Missouri?

The best time to plant corn in Missouri is from April 15 to May 15. However, the exact planting date will vary depending on your location and the weather conditions.

To determine when to plant corn in your area, you can use the following guidelines:

• USDA Hardiness Zone: Corn is a warm-season crop that requires a long growing season. The USDA Hardiness Zone map can help you determine the average last frost date in your area. Corn should be planted at least 6 weeks after the last frost date.
• Air Temperature: Corn seedlings can tolerate light frost, but they will not germinate until the soil temperature reaches 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The soil temperature in your area can be checked using a soil thermometer.
• Weather Conditions: Corn is a heavy feeder and requires a lot of water. It is important to plant corn when the weather is warm and dry, so that the plants have plenty of time to establish themselves before the hot, humid summer weather arrives.

If you are unsure about when to plant corn in your area, it is best to err on the side of caution and plant your corn early. Corn that is planted too late may not have enough time to mature before the first frost.

Tips for Planting Corn in Missouri

Here are some tips for planting corn in Missouri:

• Choose the right variety of corn for your area. There are many different varieties of corn available, each with its own unique characteristics. When choosing a variety of corn for your area, consider the following factors:
• Maturity date: The maturity date of a corn variety refers to the number of days it takes for the corn to mature from planting to harvest. Choose a variety of corn that has a maturity date that is appropriate for your growing season.
• Yield: The yield of a corn variety refers to the amount of corn that the variety produces per acre. Choose a variety of corn that has a high yield potential.
• Disease resistance: Some corn varieties are resistant to certain diseases. Choose a variety of corn that is resistant to the diseases that are common in your area.
• Prepare your soil properly. Corn is a heavy feeder and requires a lot of nutrients. To ensure that your corn plants have access to the nutrients they need, it is important to prepare your soil properly before planting.
• Test your soil to determine the pH level and nutrient content. The pH level of your soil should be between 6.0 and 6.8. If the pH level of your soil is too low, you can add lime to raise it. If the pH level of your soil is too high, you can add sulfur to lower it.
• Add organic matter to your soil. Organic matter helps to improve the drainage and fertility of your soil. You can add organic matter to your soil by composting, using cover crops, or adding manure or other organic fertilizers.
• Till your soil to a depth of 6 inches. Tilling your soil helps to break up the clumps and improve drainage.
• Plant your corn at the right depth. Corn seeds should be planted at a depth of 1 inch. If you plant your corn seeds too deep, they will not be able to germinate properly. If you plant your corn seeds too shallow, they will be exposed to the elements and may not survive.
• Water your corn regularly. Corn is a heavy feeder and requires a lot of water. It is important to water your corn regularly, especially during dry periods.
• Fertilize your corn as needed. Corn is a heavy feeder and requires a lot of nutrients. It is important to fertilize your corn as needed, especially during the growing season.

Troubleshooting Corn Planting Problems

There are a few common problems that can occur when planting corn in Missouri. Here are some tips for troubleshooting these problems:

• Corn not germinating: If your corn seeds are not germinating, it is likely due to one of the following reasons:
• The soil temperature is too cold. Corn seeds need a soil temperature of at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit to germinate.
• The seeds are too old. Corn seeds have a shelf life of about one year. After one year, the seeds will start to lose their viability and will not germinate as well.
• The seeds are not planted deep enough. Corn seeds should be planted at a depth of 1 inch. If the seeds are planted too shallow, they will be exposed to the elements and may not survive.
• Corn seedlings dying: If your corn seedlings are dying, it is likely due to one of the following reasons:
• The seedlings are not getting enough

  When is the best time to plant corn in Missouri?

The best time to plant corn in Missouri is from April 15 to May 15. The ideal soil temperature for corn germination is 55 degrees Fahrenheit. If the soil temperature is below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, corn will not germinate properly.

What type of corn should I plant in Missouri?

There are two main types of corn grown in Missouri: sweet corn and field corn. Sweet corn is grown for its ears, which are eaten fresh. Field corn is grown for its grain, which is used to make cornmeal, corn flour, and other products.

How much corn should I plant per acre?

The recommended planting rate for corn in Missouri is 30,000 to 35,000 seeds per acre. The exact planting rate will depend on the variety of corn you are planting and the soil conditions.

How deep should I plant corn seeds?

Corn seeds should be planted 1 to 2 inches deep. If the seeds are planted too deep, they will not germinate properly. If the seeds are planted too shallow, they will be susceptible to drying out and damage from pests.

How much water does corn need?

Corn is a thirsty crop and needs a lot of water to grow properly. Corn plants should receive 1 to 2 inches of water per week during the growing season. If the corn plants do not receive enough water, they will produce smaller ears of corn.

What are the most common pests that affect corn?

The most common pests that affect corn in Missouri include corn borers, corn earworms, and stinkbugs. Corn borers are caterpillars that tunnel into corn stalks, causing the stalks to wilt and die. Corn earworms are caterpillars that feed on corn ears, causing the ears to become damaged and unusable. Stinkbugs are small insects that feed on corn leaves, causing the leaves to turn yellow and die.

How can I control pests in my corn crop?

There are a number of ways to control pests in your corn crop. You can use chemical pesticides, biological controls, or cultural controls. Chemical pesticides are effective at killing pests, but they can also be harmful to the environment and to human health. Biological controls are organisms that can be used to control pests. Cultural controls are practices that can be used to reduce the number of pests in your corn crop.

What are the most common diseases that affect corn?

The most common diseases that affect corn in Missouri include corn smut, corn rust, and northern corn leaf blight. Corn smut is a fungal disease that causes kernels to become covered in a white, powdery growth. Corn rust is a fungal disease that causes leaves to develop brown, rust-colored spots. Northern corn leaf blight is a fungal disease that causes leaves to turn yellow and die.

How can I control diseases in my corn crop?

There are a number of ways to control diseases in your corn crop. You can use chemical fungicides, biological controls, or cultural controls. Chemical fungicides are effective at killing diseases, but they can also be harmful to the environment and to human health. Biological controls are organisms that can be used to control diseases. Cultural controls are practices that can be used to reduce the number of diseases in your corn crop.

What is the best way to harvest corn?

Corn is harvested when the kernels are fully mature and the husks are dry. The corn can be harvested by hand or by machine. Hand harvesting involves cutting the corn stalks at the base and removing the ears of corn. Machine harvesting involves using a combine harvester to cut the corn stalks and remove the ears of corn.

How do I store corn?

Corn can be stored for long periods of time if it is properly dried and stored. Corn should be dried to a moisture content of 14% or less before it is stored. Corn can be stored in cribs, bins, or silos. Cribs are open-air structures that allow air to circulate around the corn. Bins and silos are enclosed structures that protect the corn from the elements.

When to plant corn in Missouri is a question that has a lot of variables. The ideal planting date depends on the variety of corn you are planting, the last frost date in your area, and the soil temperature. In general, corn should be planted when the soil temperature has reached 55 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you may need to adjust this date depending on your specific conditions. If you are planting a late-season variety of corn, you may need to wait until the soil temperature has reached 60 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are planting corn in an area with a short growing season, you may need to plant it earlier than the ideal date. The best way to determine the best planting date for your corn is to consult with your local extension agent.

In addition to the factors mentioned above, there are a few other things to keep in mind when planting corn. First, make sure to plant your corn in a well-drained soil. Corn does not tolerate wet feet, so it is important to choose a site that does not have a history of flooding. Second, make sure to fertilize your corn according to the recommendations of your local extension agent. Corn is a heavy feeder, so it will need plenty of nutrients to produce a good crop. Finally, keep an eye out for pests and diseases. Corn is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, so it is important to be vigilant and take steps to protect your crop.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of growing a successful crop of corn in Missouri.